Hybrids or Irons? Asking for a "Friend"

[GrumpyGolf]

So I, um,  I mean my friend, recently got a full set of clubs that included 4 and 5 hybrids instead of irons.  He is picking up the game again after a 20 year layoff.   He was told the hybrids would be easier to hit and would be more forgiving than the irons which in turn would make the game more enjoyable.  He has used the hybrid clubs during a couple of rounds and has practiced with them at the range.  While there have been occasional moments of happiness after a shot, he would rather have irons instead of hybrids at this point as the consistency with the hybrid clubs just isn't there like it is with the irons in the set.  Not looking for tips for hitting them better, rather looking for honest opinions about if they have helped or hurt your game.  And if the hybrids have helped did it some time to get used to them.

[2puttbogey]

I carry 2 hybrids. A 19* and a 25*. The 25 is like my 5/6 irons, but I hit what feels more comfortable. My 19 on the other hand fills the 190-200 carry gap, but is more volatile on what shot I may get. It’s really about comfort with the shots you can make. Hybrids in theory are supposed to be easier to hit, but may not be the case for everyone.

[russtopherb]

I can only speak to my own experiences, which may or may not mirror your "friend's". I really did not get along well with hybrids because my brain wanted to sweep them like a fairway when they are designed to be hit like an iron. So I tended to hit them thin, or hook them off the planet, and I avoided them for years.

Now that I have that straightened out, I have a 3 hybrid (HyWood) and a 5 hybrid (Launcher) and have been hitting them both really well.

[Kenny B]

It all depends on what swing speed you... er, I mean "your friend", has with long irons.  Hybrids do fly higher which is an advantage coming into greens from long range.  With adequate speed, the irons might be a better choice, but remember that a 6i is easier to hit than a 4i, so be careful about basing decisions off how well the irons play.  Some people don't play hybrids well, some do.  I will also say that hybrids than long irons are better out of rough.  Personally, I have been very fond of hybrids over the years, however, I am in the process of changing to lofted fairway woods; now buying a 23º 9W.

[Bossfan]

I have irons down to a 5 and a utility iron in the 4 iron spot then an 18 degree hybrid. I’ve play a 4 hybrid in the past. I like hybrids they are easy to hit and get up in the air. My previous hybrids could start to hook on me if my swing was a little off. I tried some other hybrids and the one I have now mostly goes straight for me unless I make a really bad swing. He may not have hybrids that fit his swing. I also like my utility iron. It may be the straightest club in my bag. I’ve tried 3 utilities and I don’t think I have quite the swing speed for one of those so the hybrid is a better fit for me. Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error find the right clubs to fill a gap.

[GolfSpy AFG]

Only additional advice I would offer your friend, on top of what's already been posted, is that you can likely find reasonable compromises...in other words hollow-body "hybrid-like" driving irons that don't demand greater ball-striking prowess than a traditional hybrid.  The TaylorMade SIM DHY comes to mind, Mizuno Fli-Hi's...there are clubs like this out there.  Ultimately, get fit and see what gives you, or your friend, the right combination of spin and distance (not just distance).

[Tyler86]

I have both. But the hybrids live in the bag. They get a little on the loose side but my miss hits are at least pin high. Just changed the shafts in them to see if it helps with the loosey goosey. What i have found, for me personally, is that if im not hitting my hybrids all that well, i sure as heck am not gonna hit my 4 well.

I would also offer this. If you dont like it, dont play it. Confidence is huge. If you werent fit for it, it may not fit you in the least. Try something else. Go hit some other stuff.

Edited May 6, 2022 by Tyler86

[Mtbryant01]

I currently game my Cobra Radspeed 4 hybrid. I 100% can hit this longer, more accurate, and have less mishits than I was having with my 4 iron. Swing your swing though. I too only go up to a 5 iron before going 4 hybrid, 5 wood, 3 wood. 

[brutal brutus]

There are also different kinds of hybrids...

You have the traditional ones that look like a fat iron that needs a diet... like this...

 

 

Then you have the ones I use that look more like a fairway wood that already went on a diet, lol... 

 

 

Is it Callaway that refers to these as "super hybrids"...?

 

[GolfSpy TCB]

I transitioned to lofted woods and hybrids in my bag last year.  While I am more accurate directionally with the long irons (3,4,5) (With a big caveat of "when I hit them well"), the lofted woods and hybrids keep me out of trouble more often - giving me more consistent carry distance.  At my course, we have several greens requiring a carry over water, and my success rate for long irons of being on or around the green (and not rinsing my ball) is much lower than even horrible "swipes" at the ball with a hybrid.  I carry the 5 hybrid and a 7 wood.. sometimes I add the 4 hybrid and take out the 7 wood.  I consider them stroke savers in my game...